Unravelling the Hidden Facets: A Carnivalesque Approach to Theyyam
Unravelling the Hidden Facets: A Carnivalesque Approach to Theyyam

Summary/Abstract: Myth and variant beliefs have been an important thread that bound the fabric of Indian culture. Even though our country has forgone into the modern era, certain beliefs and art forms persist with its singleness. Among the Indian states, Kerala has a unique way of exhibiting its myth and heroes through classical and folk arts, Malabar bearing the crown of folk tradition. As we dive deep into this world of colors, the grandeur of Theyyam embraces us with all its glory. Rather than being a folk art, Theyyam can be seen as a blend of divinity, belief, and sadhana of the human mind. The present paper attempts to decode the ideology of Caste and Gender that is inherent in this art form. Carnivalesque mode of approach to Theyyam substantiates the mechanism of power reversal in the social order. The artist’s body that evokes the deity is placed on a higher pedestal irrespective of his position in the caste hierarchy. When the artists adorn the magnificence of this art, they are elevated to a divine status despite their so-called ‘devalued’ stratum in the society.

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